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Andrew Luck, 2013 MVP Candidate

The kid knows how to play quarterback.

Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

He’s only in his second season, but already Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is setting his sights on his first NFL MVP award.

Yes, that’s right. The Luck For MVP bandwagon has started. Climb on board. I baked cookies for everyone.

Luck, who has drafted No. 1 overall in 2012 and given the daunting task of replacing legendary quarterback Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, is now in the MVP discussion. The irony is that Manning, who now throws for the Denver Broncos, is considered the runaway favorite to win his NFL record fifth MVP.

However, Luck’s fourth quarter comeback against the Texans Sunday night has propelled him into the same conversation that is usually reserved for people like Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. In fact, it was the kind of comeback that has almost become routine for Luck, but that you see less frequently from guys like Brees and Brady.

Sunday night was the third 4th quarter comeback of the season for Luck, and the seventh of his already brilliant young career. He’s also logged ten game-winning drives, the most by any quarterback in the entire league over a two-year stretch.

To say Luck is "clutch" is like saying fire kinda burns a little. Right now, Luck defines clutch in the modern NFL. No one is performing better in the big moments than No. 12 for the Colts.

With just 1,845 yards and a completion percentage under 60%, it’s easy to dismiss Luck’s numbers from the MVP conversation. However, the comebacks (along with a 13:3 touchdown-to-INT ratio) should get people’s attention.

With the Colts at 6-2, with quality wins over the 49ers, Seahawks, and Manning’s Broncos, somebody has to be given credit, and it certainly shouldn’t be head coach Chuck Pagano and his under-performing defense, which presently ranks 29th in the league against the run and was torched Sunday night by quarterback Case Keenum and his pass-catching buddy, Andre Johnson.

No, the person who deserves credit for Indy's 6-2 record is Andrew Luck.

Just like last season, when Luck seemed to single-handedly carry his team to an 11-5 record and a post-season berth, the 2012 No. 1 overall pick is leading his team to what seems to be their first division title in three years.

The question going forward is, will be he recognized for it?